PW's Year of Beer: Ommegang Gnomegang

We love beer. That's why we're devoting an entire year to discovering (and drinking) cold ones from near and far. Know of a beer worth shouting out? Send us a note.

It’s kind of a silly name, isn’t it? This Belgian strong ale is a collaboration with Brasserie d’Achouffe, better known as La Chouffe, better known as That Belgian Brewery With The Cute Little Gnomes On Their Labels. It’s one of those tricky beers that drinks far easier than it should. The classic smell of Belgian yeast dominates the aroma, with touches of hay and dank European flower gardens rounding things out. The taste is a wild field of wet hay, crisp grass and sweet toast, with just the faintest hint of fruit beneath it all. There is a minor touch of spice as well, but it’s the highly active carbonation that gives this golden ale real zest. It’s on draft at London Grill, The Industry and Side Bar.